After the storm

I have been trying to write something since Friday the other week and up to now I only have scraps. I cannot seem to find the drive to write and describe what happened and yet I could feel my mind so full of them.

Exactly three weeks have passed since that fateful day when typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) hit the country with a vengeance. According to PAG-ASA, Typhoon Milenyo, which had maximum winds of 130 kilometers per hour, was one of the worst typhoons that hit Luzon since Rosing (Angela) in 1995. So many things happened, so many lives were lost and countless properties were damaged.

I was alone in the boarding house when Typhoon Milenyo battered the country. For three long hours, I became busy mopping rainwater splashing from the window above my sink and cursing the house I was in. I flared up because besides the fact that my printer, TV and other things were getting wet and my little sala was accumulating water from the outside, there was no electricity. I was not aware or probably just refused to acknowledge that there were others whose problems did not ONLY consist of splashing water but also of flying roofs (in some cases the whole house went along with the roof), raging flood of mixed mud and water, land slides, and even death.

When I went out the next day, the sight broke my heart. Trees were uprooted and the usual forested area became unrecognizable. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

News report said that death tolls reached 154 while the number of injured reached 246. A total of 73 people remained missing and are believed to be dead. The most number of deaths, mostly from drowning, were recorded in the CALABARZON area. Many declared their area to be in a state of calamity.

Providentially, like a relief from heaven, people from the different sectors of the society went out to share whatever was left with them and join hands in the cleaning and clearing up process.

I have always believed that things happen for a reason. From the very beginning God gave us the stewardship of this planet. He never said that we destroy or alter what He created. This was nature’s work - neither controllable nor preventable. Another proof that we are but part of the chain of life. And that everything moves along that certain path. What you have contributed or removed will soon be returned in any form possible, whether it is good or bad.

We, human beings are very much aware of this. Yet time and time again, we have become prisoners of our own intelligence and refrain ourselves from recognizing that the “return” could happen during our lifetime.

To others it was nature’s revenge, for me it was nature’s way of cleansing itself. In other words, homeostasis or the ability of nature to heal itself, on its own, without any help from the outside especially from us humans. Some things are for certain, though. The trees that were uprooted and the forest that were destroyed by the typhoon would soon be healed and be replaced by a more productive ecology, whether we like it or not, whether we extend out help or not.

And finally, in the midst of danger – with the winds howling and the storm raging, one has no choice but to humble him/herself. Amazingly, during times like this, the more spiritual side of us would resurface and would long for the love that is both gentle and strong. Praying is not just another option, but the only thing to do for He alone can stop the storm – both literally and figuratively.

P.S. Recovery may take some time, so let us continue to include in our prayers those who are severely affected by typhoon Milenyo.

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The sight of the DOST compound after the storm broke my heart. Trees were uprooted and the usual forested compound became a common business area sight you would find in Metro Manila. Before kasi, trees conceal buildings from sight. Now, when you enter the compound, you’ll see the façade of at least three buildings.

I don’t know if I have mentioned this, but I have always been so proud of the DOST compound. From the inside you would never thought that it is located near the Bicutan exit / tollgate and South Luzon Expressway. Different trees exist in the compound and butterflies played the whole day. In the evening fireflies would accompany us as we walk from our building towards the gate.



Picture after September 28, 2006:



After the typhoon, Assistant Secretary Bravo issued a memorandum to all employees to participate in the clean up of the compound. Soldiers from the nearby Camp Bagong Diwa also helped in removing and cutting big tree trunks that fell on the road. And last Monday after the flag ceremony Secretary Alabastro mentioned that DENR is willing to provide seedlings for the replanting program of the DOST.

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Three days after the typhoon, I went to Los Baños for the scheduled final exams (which was fortunately postponed). I could never describe the scene. Never. I don’t have the words. Probably it would be better if you visit Arlene for the link to the pictures. I only have this to remind me of that once beautiful tree beside the Admin building.



When I asked my former teacher what happened, he said, “Grabe ang nangyari. We were not expecting it […] however, there’s a good news, the famous tree is still there.” He was referring to the Fertility tree.

~~~

It seems that every person I meet assigned him or herself the task of finding me a mate. Just yesterday, my “kinda tsismosang” neighbor mentioned that my landlord is pairing his son to me. Please note that I only talk to them when:

1. I am paying the rent, water and electricity, and
2. I am buying from their store.

I have not had any long or personal conversation with any of them. Grabe na ito! My officemates are doing the same. Each one has his/her bet. Eh nasaan na nga ba sila ngayon?! Everybody’s playing the role of a match maker, e bakit wala pa rin?! Nagtatanong lang po. :) I am not complaining PERO parang ganun na din yun!

Anyway, I am focusing on something different now. Bahagya ko munang isinantabi yang bagay na yan. I’ll get back to it when the right time comes. :)

~~~

For those who are also searching-slash-waiting-slash-whatever, may I recommend this:

Bo’s Book entitled:
How To Find Your One true Love
by Bo Sanchez

Yeah I know the title is a bit mushy. But be prepared. After reading the book, almost all of your romantic theories would be – and let me quote - “shattered into pieces”. So beware :)